Keystone Collections Group

Dear Ms. [redacted]:                Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number.               In their complaint, the taxpayer stated that...

they received a delinquent tax notice for [redacted] Township and [redacted] School District for tax year 2011. The taxpayer alleges that they did not live in [redacted] Township in 2011.               After reviewing the taxpayer’s account, my office advised the taxpayer to provide documentation of their 2011 address. To date, the taxpayer has not provided my office with evidence that they resided elsewhere in 2011. Upon receipt of this complaint, my office has again reached out to the taxpayer affording them a chance to provide proof of their residency in 2011.   Please know that Keystone’s process of auditing delinquent accounts is designed to ensure taxpayers are given multiple opportunities to work with Keystone to address any identified discrepancies. The initiation of an audit provides an opportunity for Keystone and a taxpayer to enter into a dialogue to resolve identified issues.  As it is the taxpayer, and not Keystone, who possesses relevant tax documents, it is the taxpayer who has the burden of proof to show that their tax obligations have been satisfied.   It is not until the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue makes available to Keystone taxpayers’ earnings information that Keystone can initiate an audit. The limited information provided by the Department of Revenue is used to identify discrepancies between what a taxpayer reports as earned income on the state level with what is reported on the local level. Keystone, knowing that information may be inaccurate, issues its first notice when a discrepancy between state returns and local returns is identified. This letter very clearly states that based on information gathered thus far, there appears to be local earned income tax that is due and owing.  The letter goes on to explain that taxpayers who dispute these findings should contact Keystone so that both parties can work together to resolve the matter.  As stated above, my office has requested proof of the taxpayer’s residency. Once proof is provided my office will adjust the account accordingly. I appreciate the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers and improve our processes.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.                                    �...⇄ Very truly yours,                                     ...⇄ KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP                                     �...⇄ By:                                      �...⇄ Christopher E. V[redacted], Esquire

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.As the return was completed by [redacted] - I am seeking clarification on this error and the associated costs.  Please await a response following this communication.
Regards,
[redacted] I spoke with my accountant, she has handled my returns for many years and while I have resided in many locations throughout the US.  Her comment was ‘if you do the math the way Mr. V[redacted] has proposed that is accurate, however in all other states this number is applied as a percentage’ so this was perhaps the confusion. The attached correspondence from Mr. V[redacted] outlines what Keystone states is owed on the account.  As I have been pursuing Keystone for 6 month to resolve this matter and have found some personnel within Keystone extremely challenging, it is not agree to pay the penalty / Interest of $32.00 and a Maintenance- Late File of $49.00.  With these adjustments we will forward a check for $207.55 and suggest the form be standardized like other states.   Please confirm agreement.  In regards to the 2015 return [redacted] is questioning the need to submit a formal adjustment, please confirm.

Dear Ms. [redacted]:               Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.  Since...

receiving your letter I have reviewed the taxpayer’s account and prepared a detailed response to the taxpayer addressing their concerns. The taxpayer received a “Failure to File” notice informing the taxpayer that they had not filed a 2015 local earned income tax return.  The notice explained that under Pennsylvania law residents must file a local earned income tax return annually.  The notice continued that as a result of failing to comply with the law, and in accordance with Act 192 a late filing fee has been assessed on the taxpayer’s account.  The notice further explained that any tax which was unpaid will accrue penalty and interest as required by law.  Finally, the notice included a local earned income tax return and informs the taxpayer that they can also file online.   Finally, the taxpayer raised concerns about incorrect contact information for Keystone.  As Keystone has multiple offices throughout Pennsylvania, there are multiple phone numbers that a taxpayer can use to reach a Keystone representative.  I directed the taxpayer to our website at www.keystonecollects.com for current contact information.  Additionally, I have personally called the three telephone numbers listed in the taxpayer’s complaint and verified that all numbers are operational. I appreciate the additional information provided by your letter and the opportunity to ensure that the taxpayer’s concerns are properly addressed.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.                                         ...⇄ Very truly yours,                                     ...⇄ KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP                                                              By:                                                                  Christopher E. V[redacted], Esquire

January 11, 2016[redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In their complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they received a notice from my office requiring that they file a local earned income tax return. The taxpayer was concerned because they believed their 2014 local earned income tax return was previously submitted through our online e-file portal at www.KeystoneCollects.com.Please know that I reviewed their account and determined that their 2014 local earned income tax return was never fully completed. The taxpayer did create an account and began the online filing process in February, 2014. However, because they did not completely submit their return, the taxpayer received the “Failure to File” notice sent by Keystone.Previously, Keystone received a phone call from the taxpayer and a customer service representative investigated the matter. The representative was able to locate their account but discovered that they did not fully complete their 2014 return. Consequently, the representative contacted the taxpayer by phone to inform them and provide assistance in completing the online return. In December 2015, my office then received the taxpayer’s complete 2014 local earned income tax return. Accordingly, my office considers this matter closed.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire

February 29, 2016[redacted]Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear Ms. [redacted]:Thank you for your additional letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the...

Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In their initial complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they received a notice from my office concerning unpaid 2012 local earned income taxes. After receiving your letter my office reviewed their account to confirm that the individual previously filed their 2012 local return and owed only a small balance. However, no payment was submitted with their return. Consequently, it has remained outstanding.After confirming this information, my office contacted the taxpayer to explain the outstanding balance and that a payment was never submitted with their 2012 local earned income tax return. The taxpayer then stated that they would remit that payment to one of our offices. Once that payment is received my office will consider this matter closed.Thank you for your help in resolving this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.Dear [redacted],Thank you for coordinating this whole process.Appears the representative from Keystone Collect did not go through my entire complaint.I understand that my old employer has offices in multiple tax jurisdictions and I also understand that each tax jurisdiction have different non-resident local earned income tax rates, as noted by Keystone Collect. Won’t a tax payer’s W2 give the required jurisdiction information? The locality is identified in box 20 on a W2.There are multiple issues which I have reported in my complaint.1.      How can a tax collector forget to process a tax payer’s application, for nearly a year?2.      Why is Keystone communicating with me through email and phone? Why not mail? This is the first time I have ever come across a government agency/contractor respond by saying – “Unfortunately sending a letter is something we do not do”.3.      As I have mentioned, my employer came back to me saying, they cannot provide letters for this purpose. They asked me and you (Keystone Collect) to refer to the W2 in order to get the tax jurisdiction. Please mail (no emails or phone calls please) me the list of acceptable documents so that I can forward the same to my employer. (NOTE: During the call(s) keystone never mentioned anything about other forms of proof. Keystone specifically kept saying, they needed a verification letter from employer and that letter SHOULD be on my pervious employer’s letter head.)For your references, I have copied the entire email conversations which I had with my previous employer. (I have not attached the actual email conversation, because I am unable to remove confidential/sensitive info)
Regards,
[redacted]

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.The response letter I received from Keystones Collection Group which is attached does not at all address the major issue throughout this process.  The major issue is that my wife and I NEVER RECEIVED a copy of the original tax bill.  Therefore, we had no information as to what was owed and what the time frame for payment was.  At this time we have sent a letter directly to Keystones Collection Group with payment for our original tax dues.  This should resolve our payment that the collections agency is attempting to collect at this time.
Regards,
[redacted]

Revdex.com:
Dear Ms. [redacted] & Mr. Christopher, I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. Thank you both for your time in helping me resolve this matter. This is exactly what I was looking for, from Keystone Collect. I wish Keystone could have provided this info a year ago. I will go ahead and consider this complaint, [redacted], as resolved. I will wait for the mail which Keystone has sent me and will follow up with my previous employers to get the required info for Keystone Collect. But if a mail never arrives, I will open a new complaint with Revdex.com.   Regards, [redacted]

Dear Ms. [redacted]:                Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. In their complaint the taxpayer expressed their confusion with the [redacted] Area School District’s per capita tax as well...

as Keystone Collections Group’s role as Tax Officer for Northampton County, including the City of [redacted]. Furthermore, they expressed their concern with being assessed a $25.00 late filing fee associated with their untimely filing of 2015 local earned income taxes, as the taxpayer claimed to never have been notified by Keystone.   Please know that after receiving the taxpayer’s complaint I personally reviewed their account. I instructed the taxpayer that per capita tax is assessed on all adult residents living within the [redacted] Area School District. As such, every non-exempt resident taxpayer is responsible for remitting payments. Reviewing the taxpayer’s account I do see that both current and delinquent notices were mailed to the taxpayer.    In their letter the taxpayer mentioned previously filing their local taxes with [redacted]. I advised the taxpayer that [redacted] served as the prior Tax Officer for the Northampton County Tax Collection District prior to Keystone’s appointment and described the steps Keystone takes in easing the transition between Tax Officers. Specifically, Keystone mails residents informational materials including an official Keystone local earned income tax return. Furthermore, Keystone has a branch office in [redacted], located at [redacted], PA [redacted], which offers taxpayer assistance. Finally, taxpayers may learn more about their Tax Officer, as well as the applicable local taxes for their resident and work locations by visiting http://munstats.pa.gov.               A review of the taxpayer’s account reveals some inconsistencies between their claim and what Keystone’s records reflect. The taxpayer did not reside in Northampton County when Keystone Collections Group was appointed as Tax Officer. Therefore, they did not receive any informational materials associated with the transition between Tax Officers. However, our records reflect that the taxpayer properly filed local earned income tax returns with Keystone starting in the 2012 tax year.               Specifically, in the 2012 tax year the taxpayer accurately and successfully filed a local return as a part year resident with Keystone. They filed their 2013 local earned income taxes on a Keystone prepared local earned income tax return. This return included the taxpayer’s typewritten name and address as pre-populated by Keystone’s system. This paper return also included the account number and a bar code unique to the taxpayer’s account.  Please know that there is no way a taxpayer can pre-populate this barcode and therefore it is conclusive evidence that the taxpayer received this return from Keystone. Keystone mails paper returns pre-populated with taxpayer information and unique bar code identifiers annually. It is only when a taxpayer files their return online using Keystone’s e-file system that Keystone stops sending the taxpayer an annual paper return.               As the taxpayer successfully filed their 2014 local earned income tax return via Keystone’s online e-file system, Keystone did not send them a paper return for the 2015 tax year. As the taxpayer did not file their 2015 local earned income tax return by the April 15 filing deadline, they were issued a “Failure to File” notice and assessed a $25.00 late filing fee.               As the taxpayer successfully filed local earned income taxes with Keystone Collections Group on official Keystone paper returns as well as the online e-filing system since 2012, I cannot agree that they have never filed directly with Keystone, as they claimed in their complaint. In fact, I cannot find any evidence that they did not know that Keystone serves as their local tax collector.   I appreciate the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers and improve our processes.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.                                           ...⇄ Very truly yours,                                           ...⇄ KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP                                             ...⇄ By:                                         ...⇄ Christopher *. V[redacted], Esquire

March 31, 2016[redacted]Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE: RevDex.comComplaint ID# [redacted]Dear Ms. [redacted]Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity...

provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In their complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they received a notice from my office regarding their 2012 local earned income tax. The notice that was sent informed the taxpayer of a discrepancy between income reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and income reported to the taxpayer’s resident municipality.After being contacted by the taxpayer, my office requested additional information from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue provided updated information which due to Act 80 changed the taxing jurisdiction to [redacted] School District. This new information resolved the discrepancy. Accordingly, a notice was sent to the taxpayer showing that the issue has been resolved. Additionally, a letter has been sent explaining the same.Thank you for the opportunity to address the taxpayer’s concerns. My office considers this matter resolved.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPChristopher E. V[redacted], Esquire

June 24, 2015[redacted] Revdex.com of Western PA [redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to...

resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In the instant case, the taxpayer contacted Keystone regarding their 2014 local earned income tax return and payment. The taxpayer submitted their annual return and payment by mail in late March. The taxpayer then contacted Keystone in mid April to raise concerns about why their return and payment were not yet processed.A customer service representative exchanged phone calls with the taxpayer, explaining the delay and the large amount of refunds Keystone processes each April. The representative also told the taxpayer that they would be contacted if any issues arose while processing their return.When attempting to process the taxpayer’s return in early May, my office recognized that all the required documentation was not submitted along with the return. Accordingly, my office mailed a request to the taxpayer for the additional documents. The taxpayer then submitted those documents to my office.After review, my office was able to issue a refund to the taxpayer. In addition, I contacted the taxpayer to explain the delay and outline Keystone’s process. Accordingly, my office considers this matter resolved.It is important to know that each year Keystone processes a large volume of tax returns. As stated, delays can result when all documents are not received or returns are completed incorrectly. Regardless, Keystone works to process all refunds timely and accurately.In addition, Keystone has expressed strong concern over the Revdex.com's decision to publish these responses on the internet. Keystone is concerned about the confidential nature of taxpayer information, and our obligation to maintain a strict standard of confidentiality with regard to taxpayer detail. Due to the confidential nature of tax information, Keystone responds to the taxpayer directly, with detail information (generally confidential in status) and provides an overview of the response to the Revdex.com (with no confidential detail). We appreciate your offer to remove or redact confidential information from responses, but PA law binds a tax officer to safeguard taxpayer information, and Keystone must therefore take the prudent steps necessary to eliminate the possibility that the Revdex.com inadvertently releases confidential taxpayer information to the public on its internet publication.While tax collection can be quite a challenging responsibility due to the enforcement of its oftentimes unpopular monetary and regulatory impacts, Keystone takes great effort to satisfy consumer fairness while serving the needs of government.Historically, Keystone has responded to every issue raised by taxpayers in an attempt to resolve reasonable concerns put forward via the Revdex.com. In the future, despite not responding to the Revdex.com with taxpayer details (due to the publication concerns), Keystone will continue to address all taxpayer concerns in a timely and professional manner and keep the Revdex.com apprised of that progress.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  I finally received my refund check yesterday (1/27/16). Thank you again for your assistance.
Regards,
[redacted]

February 12, 2015[redacted] Revdex.com of Western PA [redacted]
[redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to...

resolve the concerns of taxpayers. As you are aware. Keystone expressed strong concern over the Revdex.com’s decision to publish Keystone responses on the internet despite the confidential nature of taxpayer information, and Keystone’s obligation to maintain strict standard of confidentiality with regard to taxpayer detail. Due to the confidential nature of tax information, Keystone will both respond to the taxpayer directly, with detail information (generally confidential in status) and provide an overview of the response to the Revdex.com (with no confidential detail). We appreciate your offer to remove or redact confidential information from responses, but PA law binds tax officer to safeguard taxpayer information, and Keystone must therefore take the prudent steps necessary to eliminate the possibility that the Revdex.com inadvertently releases confidential taxpayer information to the public on its internet publicationOn July 1, 2014, [redacted], president of the Revdex.com of Western Pennsylvania, informed Keystone that the Revdex.com will consider a response directly to the taxpayer “as unanswered which results in dropping your [Keystone’s] Revdex.com rating” Despite Keystone’s request that the Revdex.com not publish tax-related responses, the Revdex.com has placed Keystone in a position where it is to be punished for meeting its statutorily obligated duties of protecting confidential taxpayer information. Keystone must nonetheless focus its concern in protecting confidential taxpayer information rather than with the Revdex.com’s rating. Such concern for the protection of confidential taxpayer information should be applauded, not punished by the Revdex.com by threatening to reduce Keystone’s “rating”.While tax collection can be quite a challenging responsibility due to the enforcement of its oftentimes unpopular monetary and regulatory impacts, Keystone takes great effort to satisfy consumer fairness while serving the needs of government.Historically, Keystone has responded to every issue raised by taxpayers in an attempt to resolve reasonable concerns put forward via the Revdex.com. In the future, despite not responding to the Revdex.com with taxpayer details (due to the publication concerns), Keystone will continue to address all taxpayer concerns in a timely and professional manner and keep the Revdex.com apprised of that progress.In the instant case, as of the date of this letter. Keystone has contacted the taxpayer of the above-referenced ID number directly in an attempt to resolve this matter.I have thoroughly reviewed the taxpayer's account and discovered that the taxpayer incorrectly reported their gross compensation on their 2012 local earned income tax. Accordingly, the taxpayer believed they were due a refund when in fact they did not report then-gross income as reflected on the W-2 submitted to my office. The taxpayer incorrectly attempted to deduct payments made to a Health Savings Account. However, such deductions are not permitted at the local level and therefore their contribution was subject to local earned income tax.When processing the taxpayer’s local earned income tax return, my office identified this discrepancy. The taxpayer then contacted my office and was informed that they were not due a refund but actually underpaid their 2012 local earned income tax. My office has consistently relayed this information to the taxpayer.Accordingly, my office has again contacted the taxpayer and is working to resolve this matter and satisfy their 2012 local earned income tax account.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:  [redacted]

[redacted] Revdex.com of Western PA [redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the...

concerns of taxpayers. As you are aware, Keystone expressed strong concern over the Revdex.com’s decision to publish Keystone responses on the internet despite the confidential nature of taxpayer information, and Keystone’s obligation to maintain strict standard of confidentiality with regard to taxpayer detail. Due to the confidential nature of tax information, Keystone will both respond to the taxpayer directly, with detail information (generally confidential in status) and provide an overview of the response to the Revdex.com (with no confidential detail). We appreciate your offer to remove or redact confidential, information from responses, but PA law binds tax officer to safeguard taxpayer information, and Keystone must therefore take the prudent steps necessary to eliminate the possibility that the Revdex.com inadvertently releases confidential taxpayer information to the public on its internet publicationOn July 1, 2014, [redacted], president of the Revdex.com of Western Pennsylvania, informed Keystone that the Revdex.com will consider a response directly to the taxpayer “as unanswered which results in dropping your [Keystone’s] Revdex.com rating.” Despite Keystone’s request that the Revdex.com not publish tax-related responses, the Revdex.com has placed Keystone in a position where it is to be punished for meeting its statutorily obligated duties of protecting confidential taxpayer information. Keystone must nonetheless focus its concern in protecting confidential taxpayer information rather than with the Revdex.com’s rating. Such concern for the protection of confidential taxpayer information should be applauded, not punished by the Revdex.com by threatening to reduce Keystone’s “rating”.While tax collection can be quite a challenging responsibility due to the enforcement of its oftentimes unpopular monetary and regulatory impacts, Keystone takes great effort to satisfy consumer fairness while serving the needs of government.Historically, Keystone has responded to every issue raised by taxpayers in an attempt to resolve reasonable concerns put forward via the Revdex.com. In the future, despite not responding to the Revdex.com with taxpayer details (due to the publication concerns), Keystone will continue to address all taxpayer concerns in a timely and professional manner and keep the Revdex.com apprised of that progress.The taxpayer filed this complaint because they received several letters from Keystone indicating outstanding issues. The taxpayer believed that their taxes were paid and that Keystone was incorrect to send these notices, in reviewing the taxpayer’s file I recognized two issues.The first issue arose because the taxpayer failed to remit quarterly local earned income estimated payments. Instead, the taxpayer submitted their local earned income tax payments for 2011, 2012 and 2013 annually, when they filed their annual return. However, taxpayers are required to make quarterly estimated local earned income tax payments. Because they failed to make these payments, a late penalty and statutory interest was assessed on their account. Accordingly, their tax was paid but a balance for the penalty and interest remained.The additional issue was specific to their 2012 local earned income tax return. The taxpayer submitted their 2012 return but did not provide supporting W-2s or documentation with their return. Consequently they recently received a letter from Keystone requesting that additional documentation.As explained, the taxpayers did not properly file their 2011-2013 tax returns and therefore have a remaining balance. They also did not completely file their 2012 return and received a letter from Keystone requesting supporting documentation that should have been included.In the instant case, as of the date of this letter. Keystone has contacted the taxpayer directly in an attempt to resolve this matter. I have explained the letters they received and outstanding issues in detail. I also requested they submit the outstanding documents and remaining balance due, which accrued because they improperly submitted their local earned income tax payments.My office is currently working to resolve this matter and satisfy their local earned income tax account.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:[redacted], Esquire

[redacted]Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of...

taxpayers.In their complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they received a notice from my office requiring that they file a local earned income tax return. The taxpayer was concerned because they believed their 2014 local earned income tax return was previously submitted through our online e-file portal at [redacted].Please know that I reviewed their account and determined that their 2014 local earned income tax return was never fully completed. The taxpayer did create an account and began the online filing process in February 2014. However, because they did not completely submit their return, the taxpayer received the “Failure to File” notice sent by Keystone.Previously, Keystone received a phone call from the taxpayer and a customer service representative investigated the matter. The representative was able to locate their account but discovered that they did not fully complete their 2014 return. Consequently, the representative contacted the taxpayer by phone to inform them and provide assistance in completing th§ online return. In December 2015, my office then received the taxpayer’s complete 2014 local earned income tax return. Accordingly, my office considers this matter closed.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPCody J. H[redacted], Esquire

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
Regards,
[redacted] they were notified that I was not aware of this filing and that $25.00 is due for 2014 and will pay it when the 2015 is filed.

Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. In their complaint the taxpayer disputed the imposition of penalty, interest and fees on his delinquent earned income tax (EIT) account. Furthermore, the taxpayer expressed concern with the delay associated with his...

receipt of a delinquent notice for 2013 EIT. Please know that upon receipt of the taxpayer’s complaint I personally reviewed his account to resolve any discrepancies. In separate correspondence, I explained in detail how Keystone’s audit process works. Specifically, using earnings information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, and its power as Tax Officer, Keystone audits individual taxpayers to determine if a discrepancy exists between what a taxpayer has filed with Keystone and with the State of Pennsylvania.  I further advised that it is not until the Department of Revenue provides Keystone with taxpayer earnings information that Keystone can identify discrepancies with the submitted filings. Unfortunately, the delay associated with the Department’s provision of taxpayer information is unavoidable.  The information provided by the Department of Revenue evidenced a discrepancy with the taxpayer’s State and Local tax returns. Accordingly, a balance due remained on the taxpayer’s account. Furthermore, the penalty and interest assessed on the taxpayer’s account are mandated by law, and the fees constitute the statutorily authorized collection costs Keystone is entitled to recoup.  As the taxpayer remitted payment in full, my office considers this matter resolved. I appreciate the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers and improve our processes.   Thank you for your attention to this matter.                                    �...⇄ Very truly yours,                                     ...⇄ KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP                                     �...⇄ By:                                      �...⇄ Christopher *. V[redacted], Esquire

Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. KeystoneCollections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns oftaxpayers. Since receiving your letter I have reviewed the taxpayer’s account and prepared adetailed response to the tax...

payer detailing their concerns In their complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they received a tax bill from my officeregarding 2012 local earned income taxes, which provided the taxpayer an opportunity to disputethe tax if they did not reside in the District and/or Municipality. However, the taxpayer does notfeel that the burden of proof to provide proof of residence to dispute the tax assessment should beon them.However, the tax assessment notice is generated by comparing earnings information thatthe taxpayer filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. If the taxpayer disputes theassessment and can provide additional information to dispute this assessment based upon whatthey filed with the State, they are provided the opportunity to do so in accordance with the LocalTaxpayer Bill o f Rights. The Local Taxpayer Bill of Rights and Local Tax Enabling Act alsopermits local taxing authorities to request information from a taxpayer beyond what the taxpayerhas provided on a return or report.Moreover, Pennsylvania law requires every taxpayer to file a local earned income tax finalreturn. This requires the taxpayer to file a return with each municipality in which they resideduring the year, even if it is only for a limited portion of the year. If the taxpayer filed their localearned income tax return with each municipality in which they reside for a particular year with theappropriate earnings, they should not come up in the audit process at all.I appreciate the additional information provided by your letter and the opportunity to ensurethat the taxpayer’s concerns are properly addressed.Very truly yours,ALM

February 29, 2016[redacted]Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear Ms. [redacted]:Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to...

resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In the instant case, the taxpayer stated that they experienced problems regarding their 2014 local tax refund. They also stated that they were unable to resolve this issue by contacting Keystone’s customer service representatives.After receiving the taxpayer’s complaint, I examined their account and determined that unique circumstances surrounding their residence and taxing authorities complicated their 2014 return. Consequently, Keystone was unable to process their return as filed.However, a representative contacted the taxpayer to explain the situation, particularly discrepancies between their 2014 Pennsylvania state and local tax returns. My office also requested that they submit either an amended local and/or state return. Once the taxpayer’s amended return and supporting documentation is received, my office will work to process it promptly and issue any refund due.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy: Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire

Dear Ms. [redacted]:        Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. In his complaint the complainant claimed he received a delinquent earned income tax notice from Keystone Collections Group (“Keystone”) that he disputed. The...

complainant further claimed that Keystone continually requested that he provide a copy of his W-2 for the 2015 tax year, which he claimed was destroyed in a fire. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the complainant’s account.      As a preliminary matter, by separate correspondence my office advised the complainant that Keystone Collections Group serves as the duly appointed Tax Officer responsible for the collection of local earned income taxes assessed by his resident political subdivision. Moreover, my office explained Keystone’s audit process generally and assured the complainant that the initiation of an audit affords taxpayers with the opportunity to supply Keystone with supporting documentation evidencing that they do not owe the tax.       By prior telephone communication with a Keystone representative, the complainant advised that he resided in Philadelphia for the entire 2015 tax year. Accordingly, Keystone requested that he provide a copy of his W-2, which would evidence the complainant’s resident address and any local earned income taxes withheld by his employer. In response, the complainant advised that his original W-2 was destroyed in a fire and he supplied my office with several documents, including a copy of his 2015 PA-40 Personal Income Tax Return, PA Schedule W-2S and IRS Federal Tax Return Transcript.      Per my review, the documentation supplied by the complainant is inconclusive as to his residency or local earned income tax withholdings for the 2015 tax year. The PA-40 indicates the complainant’s address at the time of filing the return, not for the duration of the 2015 tax year. Additionally, the PA Schedule W-2S reflects taxable earnings and state personal income tax withholdings; amounts which are not at issue.              My office explained to the complainant that his employer remitted a quarterly withholding payment to Keystone on his behalf, indicating that he did not reside in Philadelphia for all of the 2015 tax year. Nevertheless, the complainant has been afforded the opportunity to supply my office with further documentation evidencing his residency or employer withholdings, which may support the complainant’s dispute. Upon provision of such documentation, my office will review and adjust the complainant’s account, if necessary.  I appreciate the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers and improve our processes.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.                                    �...⇄ Very truly yours,                                     ...⇄ KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP                                     �...⇄ By:                                      �...⇄ Christopher ** V[redacted], Esquire